INTRODUCTION
In recent times, Ghanaians have been demanding a fast public trial of Ken Ofori-Atta for his alleged crimes against the state. These calls are growing louder as comparisons are made to the case of Victor Selormey, a former Deputy Finance Minister, who served time in jail for financial mismanagement. To understand the importance of accountability, it is essential to compare the crimes of both individuals and analyze why Ofori-Atta must submit himself to the laws of the land.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND
Victor Lawrence Kwashie Selormey served as Deputy Minister of Finance under President Jerry John Rawlings’ government. In 2001, he was convicted on charges of defrauding by false pretenses and causing financial loss to the state. The case involved the sale of 60% of GNPC’s 40% shareholding in LEEBDA Corporation to an American company, Amromco Energy LLC, for $20 million in 1998. The prosecution argued that LEEBDA Corporation did not exist at the time of the supposed sale, and thus, no shares could legally be sold. Selormey was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment and spent his days in jail on a pacemaker and oxygen tank due to his health condition.
Ken Ofori-Atta, who served as Ghana’s Finance Minister from 2017 to 2024, has been declared a fugitive by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on February 12, 2025. He is wanted for corruption and corruption-related offenses in several high-profile cases, including the Strategic Mobilisation-GRA Contract, Termination of ECG-BXC contract, National Cathedral payments, Ambulance Procurement contract, and Tax Refund Account Utilisation. The OSP has accused Ofori-Atta of orchestrating a raid on his residence by alleged military personnel to discredit the OSP. The wanted notice has sparked debates in Ghana’s Parliament, with some MPs criticizing the use of the military and others defending the actions.
COMPARISON OF OFFENCES
VICTOR SELORMEY
– Offence: Defrauding by false pretenses and causing financial loss to the state.
– Details: Sale of shares of a non-existent company, LEEBDA Corporation, to Amromco Energy LLC for $20 million.
– Sentence: 8 years imprisonment.
KEN OFORI-ATTA
– Offences: Multiple corruption-related offences.
– National Cathedral Project: Misuse of funds and procurement irregularities.
– SML-GRA Contract: Alleged financial mismanagement and corruption.
– ECG-BXC Contract Termination: Mismanagement and financial loss.
– Ambulance Procurement: Overpricing and procurement irregularities.
– Tax Refund Account Utilisation: Misuse of funds.
– Current Status: Declared a fugitive by the OSP.
LEGAL REASONS FOR PROSECUTION:
Ken Ofori-Atta must submit himself to the laws of the land for several legal reasons:
1. Rule of Law: The principle of the rule of law mandates that everyone, regardless of their position or status, is subject to the law. Ofori-Atta must face legal proceedings to uphold this fundamental principle.
2. Accountability and Transparency: Public officials are entrusted with managing public resources. Prosecution in an open court ensures transparency and holds Ofori-Atta accountable for his actions, serving as a deterrent to other officials.
3. Public Trust: Restoring public trust in the legal and political system requires that allegations of corruption and mismanagement are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. This is essential for maintaining the integrity of democratic institutions.
4. Precedent and Fairness: Previous public officials, including Victor Selormey, have faced prosecution for their actions. Ofori-Atta must similarly be subjected to legal proceedings to ensure fairness and consistency in the application of justice.
TOP Political Office Holders Jailed for Causing Financial Loss to the State in the Last 20 Years
1. Victor Selormey: Convicted for defrauding by false pretenses and causing financial loss to the state.
2. Tsatsu Tsikata: Former CEO of GNPC, initially jailed but later absolved of all charges by the Court of Appeal.
3. Kwame Peprah: Former Finance Minister, jailed for his role in the Quality Grain scandal.
4. Mallam Issah: Former Minister of Youth and Sports, jailed for misappropriation of funds.
5. Ibrahim Adam: Former Minister of Health, jailed for financial mismanagement.
6. George Yankey: Former Minister of Health, jailed for causing financial loss to the state.
7. Kwadwo Mpiani: Former Chief of Staff, jailed for financial mismanagement.
8. Roland Agambire: Businessman, jailed for his involvement in the GYEEDA scandal.
9. Alfred Woyome: Businessman, jailed for causing financial loss to the state.
Mallam Issah and Kwadwo Mpiani are both affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Mallam Issah was a member of the People’s National Convention (PNC) but was co-opted into the NPP administration. Kwadwo Mpiani served as Chief of Staff and Minister of Presidential Affairs under President John Kufuor, who is also from the NPP.
Recommendations and Suggestions
Ken Ofori-Atta should present himself for prosecution in an open court of law in Ghana to ensure transparency and accountability. This will allow Ghanaians and foreign investors to witness justice being served and restore confidence in the country’s financial management systems.
Chinua Achebe Quote
“Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter.”
Fusaini Isah’s Dogomba Wise Proverb
“Justice is the foundation of the state; without it, the state cannot stand.”
Retired Senior Citizen
Teshie-Nungua
